Clean Up After Recycling

How to clean up after recycling

 Clean-up starts after 5^th grade lunch is over at 1:45.  (See below* on how to start earlier!)

1.       First, move the recycle cans/pans/tables over near the cafeteria tray window, so the custodians can mop and put away the big tables.

2.       Remove the clip-on signs, rinse them under the faucet to deter ants, and store them in the bottom drawer of the recycle cabinet.

3.       Empty the drink-emptying pans at the kitchen window, and refill with water for rinsing recyclables.**

4.       Get an empty black recycle can with liner bag to be your “clean” can.**

5.       Remove items from recycle can, rinse them, and drop them in the “clean” can.**

6.       Empty and completely rinse the metal pans at the kitchen window and leave them there.  Wipe down the tables and leave them near the custodian’s table.

7.       Take rinsed recyclables to the outside recycle bins.  Leave the liner bags in the cans, rinse with the hose if they have milk or food on them, and drain excess water.  (Beware that the hose water from the green faucet is very hot!)  If bags are damaged or cannot be cleaned, discard them and replace with new bags from the recycle cabinet.

8.       Return cans to storage wall inside.  There should be at least 3 cans upright with liner bags and lids when you finish (the lids can be loose to let air circulate).  A full green Capri Sun can may be stored inside a black recycle can; empty green cans should be stored upside-down on top of the black cans.

 * If you want to start rinsing early

Get a “clean” can as in step 4 above, and place it by the recycle line during an earlier lunchtime.  Empty one of the metal pans and fill it with rinse water, and rinse as in step 5 above.

You will need to pause before lunch dismissal times, cover the “clean” can and move it out of the way, and replace the drink-emptying tray for the students to use.  When you are finished, you can either take the “clean” can outside the long way (remember that you can’t go through the kitchen until after 5^th-grade lunch), or just park it, lid on, along the wall by the recycling supplies.

** Note: Steps 3-5 above are suggested steps – if you have a different way to get the recyclables rinsed, that’s fine!

Cleaned up and ready for the next day